Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 1/6/2010

Question
Hi my name is Becky. I've just turned 14 , I've previously done ballet classes when i was about 7/8 I didn't stick at it for long because i wasn't enjoying it at the time. Once i turned 11 I started gymnastics but I had to quit that A few months ago because of a wrist injury.. and i don't really feel like returning to gymnastics anymore. But my wrist is fine again and i want too try something new, I'm very flexible and fit , I'm average height and have a good figure. I've always danced around my room and tried too pick up dances off my friends (they've been dancing since they were little) So I really think I'm ready to join ballet classes again. One problem is my mum says "i had the opportunity to dance when i was younger but i didn't have any will power to stay" And when ever i try talk to her about ballet she uses that reason, even though she knows how much i practice in my room and how much i love to dance. I even offered too pay for my lessons myself! I have perfect point and balance from gymnastics if only i had the chance to try out a real ballet lesson! Ermm also i don't want too do ballet as a profession or anything i just want a hobby too enjoy and keep fit with now that I've stopped gymnastics , well please let me know what you think i should do and if there are classes that would suit me. thanks !

Answer
Hi Becky. Maybe you can find a really nice way of phrasing it to your mom that normal 7 year olds don't have will power period. I understand how parents can be frustrated if they feel they have put some time and effort into activities of their children who then just stop. But I'll bet you can bring her over.

You are certainly not too old to pursue ballet for a keep-fit hobby, and all the excellent health benefits. Also there will be no stresses on vulnerable joints like your wrists. You might say to your mom that everything you have used in gymnastics will contribute to your learning ballet. In other words, nothing has been wasted just because you are changing the genre of exercise. For example, having done some ballet before doing gymnastics would have contributed to being good at gymnastics, in most cases.

Try to coax the real reason out of her - or just ask. She may be worried about some factor in all of this that she isn't expressing.

I recommend taking a very basic ballet class for a few months. Teachers may want to advance you because of your strength and flexibility, but learning the basic technical points and doing them properly, will then help you advance better.

If you'd like to read tons of info about proper ballet technique, take a look at
http://www.balletshoesandpointshoes.blogspot.com/

Good luck with this, I'm rooting for you, Dianne